Abstract: The invention features a remote-controlled device for selectively positioning a medical instrument within a predetermined region of space. The remote-controlled device has a motor which provides mechanical energy to the remote-controlled device, a driver that is coupled to the motor and that has a predetermined relationship with the motor. The driver physically engages the medical instrument and converts the mechanical energy into controlled motion of the medical instrument. The remote-controlled device receives control signals from a remote location that direct the motor to supply a predetermined amount of mechanical energy, whereby the driver, with the predetermined relationship with the motor, selectively positions the medical instrument within the region of space.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustable positioning of a patient's leg during a medical procedure has a base which may be attached to an operating table, a pitch/jaw assembly mounted upon the base, a leg extension having a first end mounted upon the pitch/yaw assembly for movement of a second end in horizontal and vertical planes relative to the base, a strap of the like for securement of the lower end portion of the patient's leg, and a brace for fixed positioning of the patient's thigh. In preferred embodiments, a foot brace is rotatably mounted at the second end of the leg extension. Also, the leg extension is pivotable about the base in vertical and/or horizontal planes from a first position toward an adjustment position, the pitch/yaw assembly adapted to return the leg extension toward its first position, and therebeing a lock or the like for securing the leg extension in adjusted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manipulation of the mandible comprising, in one embodiment, a handle, a mouth tray for insertion into said patient's mouth and a chin rest for positioning under said patient's chin. The distance between the chin rest and the mouth tray is adjustable so as to hold the patient's mandible firmly between the chin rest and the mouth tray and permit the physician to manipulate the patient's mandible using only one hand.

Abstract: An instrument-supporting, articulated device has a distal end capable of supporting an instrument in the region of a surgical operating site. The device has at least one joint that supports a movable distal support element relative to a proximal support, the joint being associated with a mode selector. The joint has structure capable, upon selection of a first mode of operation by the selector, of enabling relatively free motion of the joint for achieving a desired position of the instrument and the joint has structure capable, upon selection of a second mode of operation by the selector, to set the position of the instrument in space with lightly loaded restraint. The lightly loaded restraint is of a value that, while the second mode continues to be selected, the user may adjust the position of the instrument by application of a light force to the instrument and upon release of such light force by the user, the instrument will remain in the newly adjusted position.